Jagaddhatri Puja: The Sustainer of the Universe
Date (2025)
In
2025, Jagaddhatri Puja falls on Friday, October 31.
This
puja is observed on the Shukla Navami of the Kartik month in the
Hindu calendar.
Significance
Jagaddhatri
Puja celebrates:
- The victory of humility over ego
- The restoration of cosmic balance
- The power of Shakti as the
ultimate source of all divine energy
She
is depicted as:
- A three-eyed, four-armed goddess
riding a lion
- Holding a conch, bow, arrow, and
chakra
- Standing atop the demon Karindrasura,
symbolized as an elephant
Legends
There
are two prominent legends associated with Jagaddhatri:
1.
The Vision of Raja Krishnachandra
Raja
Krishnachandra of Krishnanagar missed Durga Puja while imprisoned by Nawab
Siraj-ud-Daulah. On his return, he had a divine vision of a child who
instructed him to worship her on Kartik Navami. His priest identified her as Jagaddhatri,
and the Raja initiated public worship with grandeur.
2.
The Yaksha Test
After
Durga defeated Mahishasura, the gods grew arrogant. To humble them, Lord
Brahma appeared as a Yaksha and challenged them to move a blade of grass.
None could. They realized their powers came from Shakti, the supreme
force. Thus, Jagaddhatri came to be revered as the embodiment of divine
humility and strength.
Scriptural Reference
- Devi Mahatmya (Chandi Path):
Verses from this sacred text are recited during the puja, especially
during Navami tithi. It glorifies the power of Shakti and her
manifestations.
- Tantric Traditions:
Jagaddhatri is considered a Tantric form of Durga, and her worship
includes mantras and rituals aligned with Agama and Tantra shastras.
- Legend of the Yaksha Test
(from the Kenopanishad): This philosophical tale underpins the
humility theme of Jagaddhatri Puja, where gods realize their powers stem
from the supreme Shakti.
Rituals & Observances
The
puja spans Shashthi to Dashami, mirroring Durga Puja in structure but
with unique elements:
Shashthi
– Bodhon (Invocation)
- Unveiling of the idol
- Pran Pratishtha:
Ritual of infusing life into the clay idol
Saptami
– Mahasnan
- Sacred bath of the idol using Panchamrit
(milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar)
- Purification of the altar with Ganga
jal
Ashtami
– Bhog & Mantras
- Offerings of fruits, sweets, and kheer
- Chanting of mantras and pushpanjali
(flower offerings)
- Devotees seek blessings for
prosperity and peace
Navami
– Main Puja Day
- Considered the birth day of
Goddess Jagaddhatri
- Symbolic animal sacrifice (now
replaced with pumpkin, cucumber, or banana)
- Recitation of Chandi Path and Tantric
hymns
Dashami
– Bishorjon (Immersion)
- Procession with music and dance
- Immersion of the idol in rivers or
lakes
- Marks the conclusion of the festival
Rules
for Devotees
- Cleanliness:
Devotees must bathe and wear fresh clothes before puja
- Purity of space:
Altar is cleansed with holy water and decorated with flowers and lamps
- Fasting:
Some observe partial fasting or avoid tamasic foods
- Devotion over display:
Emphasis is placed on bhakti (devotion) rather than grandeur
Major Temple & Pandal
Destinations
Krishnanagar (Nadia
District)
- Nadia Burima Jagaddhatri Puja:
One of the oldest and most revered celebrations
- The city glows with lights and floral
decorations; idols are adorned with gold and silver ornaments
Chandannagar (Hooghly
District)
- Known for electrifying light
displays and massive idols
- Key spots: Tematha (Rani Maa),
Gondolpara, Chaarmandirtala, Barabazar, Chaulpatti
(Adi Maa)
- The Strand Road becomes a
glowing corridor of pandals and food stalls
Rishra, Konnagar,
Bhadreswar
- These towns host vibrant community
pujas with traditional Bengali music and dance
- Buri Maa Puja
in Bhadreswar is especially revered
Bankura District
- Here, Goddess Jagaddhatri is
worshipped as Boroma
- Unique Trikalin Puja rituals are performed, and immersion takes place at Padmapukur with Dhunuchi dance and dhank processions
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